Have you ever thought of, ran for, or been elected to, or served in public office?

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View Poll Results: Have you ever thought of, ran for, or been elected to, or served in public office?

Re: Have you ever thought of, ran for, or been elected to, or served in public office

I have considered running for public office, but am restricted at the moment due to my job (military) but when I'm done with my military service, I'd be honored to keep serving as a public servant in some form be it local, state or national. I have dreams of being National senator one day

Re: Have you ever thought of, ran for, or been elected to, or served in public office

Originally Posted by Paschendale

If you want something done right, you've gotta do it yourself.

I ran for County Commissioner in 2012. I'll be running again in 2016. I found out if you put up about 1,000 signs and strategically mail out about 3,000 letters you could win a county wide election where I live. People show up to vote for president. Nobody really knows who serves in local office. They'll vote for the name they recognize. With a $12,000 investment you could win but the job only pays $11,600 per year. People won't donate to you. Even if they did, in my state campaign donations are limited to $4,000. The "big donors" in my area donate $1,000. I'm not so sure it's worth it unless you really are willing to do public service. You really cripple your ability to make a decent income while you are in office. It is a 5 person board so you are only 1 voice. It's quite a sacrifice. You have to sacrifice 4 years. You have to sacrifice your political views. You kinda sacrifice your invisibility. That's probably why you see very few people attempt it.

If you do want to make a point, you are probably the best qualified person to do it. It sucks that you can't trust somebody else to do it. Most elected officials feel obligated to run for office. It's a burden. It's better if you have the ability to complain at bad government with the intention of doing absolutely nothing. I hate those kind of people but they do have a better lot in life.

Re: Have you ever thought of, ran for, or been elected to, or served in public office

Originally Posted by Steve Ja

I have considered running for public office, but am restricted at the moment due to my job (military) but when I'm done with my military service, I'd be honored to keep serving as a public servant in some form be it local, state or national. I have dreams of being National senator one day

Very cool! What branch are you in? I was in USMCR Machine Gunner 2002 - 2007.

Re: Have you ever thought of, ran for, or been elected to, or served in public office

Originally Posted by Rocketman

I lost because I was "too" honest during a debate

That will lose an election for you. Honesty is only the best policy for the person wanting information. It's best to speak in vague terms without lying or telling the truth. Oh well. Maybe more noble things await you. It sounds like you are a lousy politician. Honesty is a bad trait for a politician especially in our country. Americans love to be lied to. If you don't believe me, just watch a commercial on TV.

Re: Have you ever thought of, ran for, or been elected to, or served in public office

Originally Posted by vasuderatorrent

I ran for County Commissioner in 2012. I'll be running again in 2016. I found out if you put up about 1,000 signs and strategically mail out about 3,000 letters you could win a county wide election where I live. People show up to vote for president. Nobody really knows who serves in local office. They'll vote for the name they recognize. With a $12,000 investment you could win but the job only pays $11,600 per year. People won't donate to you. Even if they did, in my state campaign donations are limited to $4,000. The "big donors" in my area donate $1,000. I'm not so sure it's worth it unless you really are willing to do public service. You really cripple your ability to make a decent income while you are in office. It is a 5 person board so you are only 1 voice. It's quite a sacrifice. You have to sacrifice 4 years. You have to sacrifice your political views. You kinda sacrifice your invisibility. That's probably why you see very few people attempt it.

If you do want to make a point, you are probably the best qualified person to do it. It sucks that you can't trust somebody else to do it. Most elected officials feel obligated to run for office. It's a burden. It's better if you have the ability to complain at bad government with the intention of doing absolutely nothing. I hate those kind of people but they do have a better lot in life.

Very cool you ran! Best of luck in 2016! If you want, PM me and we can talk more about strategizing and stuff.

But the part of that that I quoted, I don't think you ever "have to" sacrifice your beliefs. Always stand up for what you believe in.

Re: Have you ever thought of, ran for, or been elected to, or served in public office

Originally Posted by Tothian

Very cool! What branch are you in? I was in USMCR Machine Gunner 2002 - 2007.

Also what state are you in - and/or would you run for Senate in?

I am currently Army and Former Air Force- 16 years total service and looking to serve until they say I can not anymore. I am honored to serve and am proud of what the uniform stands for.
My home state is California. Very much the opposite side of the political spectrum as I am, but hey miracles happen.. I am currently stationed in Kansas. I'd run in California most likely, but possibly Nevada,Oregon, or Washington as well if I settle there. Those are all possible settling points for me at the moment after I'm done in the military.